Just Taxes: The Politics of Taxation in Britain, 1914-1979

by Martin Daunton

This original work explores the politics of British taxation in the twentieth century. By 1979, taxes were taken from almost half of the total national income, and contributed to the political rise of Margaret Thatcher. But the level of taxation had risen from 10% in 1914 to about 25% between the wars, without provoking serious discontent (as in other European countries). It also grew again during the Second World War. This study explores the reasons that the earlier tax increases were accepted, and not those of 1979.

Genres: Economics

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Martin James Daunton is Professor of Economic History at the University of Cambridge.

Reviews

[Kyle Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

More interesting than one would imagine a history of taxation could ever be. It should’ve continued on and covered the Thatcher era though, since it was a pretty interesting period for tax reform.